Engineers successfully test-fired the rocket's engines last week. The launch was originally scheduled for Saturday night, but on Thursday, SpaceX officials announced a 24-hour delay.

"Now targeting September 9 launch of Telstar 18 VANTAGE from Pad 40 in Florida," SpaceX wrote on Twitter. "Rocket and payload are healthy; additional time will be used to complete pre-flight checkouts.

SpaceX has yet to offer a specific reason for the delay, but the forecast for Saturday is iffy. Sunday is likely to offer clearer, stiller skies.

Once in operation, the satellite will provide Telesat and APT Satellite with C-band and Ku-band spectrum, boosting communications services for customers, including governments and broadcast providers, in the Asia-Pacific region.